Welcome to Billboard India’s weekly Editorial series No Skip. Every Monday, we tell you exactly what to listen to – 5 songs handpicked by the Billboard India team from last week’s crop of music releases. Tracks from Indian artists across film, indie, regional and the diaspora community are eligible.
Below are this week’s No Skip selections to kick off your week right.
- “Chosen One” by Gurinder Gill, NAV, Manu
Gurinder Gill has a new album called Can’t Stop Now featuring a host of Punjabi rappers and musicians. On this track – a trap beat, NAV’s rhyming flow and Gill’s Punjabi verses – make for a climactic head-bopping experience that works well for a party or even solo-listening playlist. The Punjabi lyrics explore community pride as the Canadian NAV and Gill collaborate with Manu who is active in the desi hip-hop ecosystem. This is our standout track from the new record.
- “know you well” by Ramya Pothuri
The Missouri, US-hailing artist blends earnest folk with R&B vocals for a moody melange. Pothuri made her mark in India’s independent scene during her years living in Mumbai. Now, based in Los Angeles, her new singles feature strummy guitar with her signature whirling cadence of singing. “Know You Well” is yet another example of pop-tinged singer-songwriter energy that can soundtrack your commute, your self-care routine, your evening cuppa moments or simply to queue in the background as you go about your day.
- “GALI” by Parimal Shais, ThirumaLi, Killa K, Rudy
Kerala producer Parimal Shais, Malayalam rapper ThirumaLi, Bangalorean rapper Killa K and experimental artist Rudy create a hip-hop track rooted in indigenous sonics with a hook that feels urgent and imprints into your sensory mind. While all four artists have collaborated with each other at some point before, this is the first time each of them have come together for a song. Rudy’s introspective verse makes for a refreshing groove break between the rappers high octane deliveries. We hope for more infectious regional hip-hop from the foursome.
- “Kitni Dafaa” by Paresh Pahuja
Pahuja is used to creating dreamy soundscapes with his style of singer-songwriter compositions. This track is no different. Look out for the key change and guitar solo in the effective arrangement that employs simple keys, a vocalising refrain, harmonies and a mellow tempo. Long drives, walks with a significant other and passive listening while working are appropriate occasions to queue this track up. As the musician and actor’s voice wafts over the duration of the song, the interlude allows for a rush of feel-good energy.
- “Mainu Ki Pata” by Shekhar Ravjiani, Madhubanti Bagchi, Kumaar
Punjabi folk in 2026 is forward-looking with a fresh take on the soulful genre with polished production and a western instrumentation. “Mainu Ki Pata” is one such instance of retaining the elements of traditional styles that burst with authenticity, as Bagchi’s vocals retain her Agra gharana earthiness while Ravjiani’s subtle seconds add a welcome layer to the acoustic, fingered guitar. Sounds best on a rainy day or curled up in a cosy nook.
